Lawrence homicide victim ID'd as local restaurant owner

Sarah Brooke Gonzales McLinn, 19, is missing and hasn't been seen for several days. Her family reported her missing. Police found the body of Harold M. Sasko, 52, late Friday in his home while searching for McLinn.

The body of a 52-year-old homicide victim Lawrence police identified Sunday was the owner of two pizza restaurants in Topeka.

The man, Harold M. Sasko, was found dead with traumatic injuries late Friday at his Lawrence home, 2905 W. 26th, while police were looking for a missing woman.

Sasko was the owner of both CiCi’s Pizza locations in the capital city, as well as one in Lawrence, according to Geoff Goodman, vice president of operations for CiCi’s.

Sgt. Trent McKinley said the woman, Sarah Brooke Gonzales McLinn, 19, who also lived at the home, is still missing. Her family contacted authorities, and she hasn’t been seen for several days.

“We are saddened to learn of the death of franchisee Hal Sasko,” said Goodman. “CiCi’s Pizza is working with authorities and local management to ensure that our team members’ emotional needs are being met as they continue to serve the local community.

“Certainly our condolences go out to the family,” he added. “That’s where our thoughts and prayers should be.”

Police said officers found the body of Sasko when they went to the house in an attempt to locate McLinn.

The cause of Sasko’s death wasn’t released, and no suspects have been identified, McKinley said, adding police continue to try to locate Sasko’s vehicle, a dark gray or blue 2008 Nissan Altima with Kansas “In God We Trust” license number AK149.

Officials said anyone with information regarding the investigation may call Lawrence police at (785) 832-7509 or Douglas County Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-8477. Calls to Crime Stoppers may be made anonymously, and callers with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.